The sense of giving without expectation is Godly. This trait of human race has never been as visible as in today’s hour. The spread of covid Corona Virus has bought to the forefront a very essential aspect of human behavior- selfless service to humanity. Medical staff all over the world is working tirelessly treating virus ridden patients, risking lives of their families and themselves. This selfless dedication towards duty leads to immense inner peace and
satisfaction.

“Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution, experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment.” Tony Robbins

Similar can be said about our Armed forces fighting wars and guarding our borders. The infighting or corruption within the Army or the dirty politics around does not deter the brave men in uniform from rendering their responsibility towards the nation.

In our society too, those who are treading the path to help others, don’t evaluate their purpose or benefit, but move steadfast on it. Animal welfare NGO’s like ours are not hindered by the fact that society at large is immune to the suffering of stray animals that are injured and need care. Infact, many a times those who hit the animals by their vehicles, leave them deserted on the roads. Don’t these people think that they too are the creations of the One who created them?
Callus attitude of a few in no way deters us from helping those in need, especially those who can’t look after themselves. We can only hope that these steps will gradually enlighten our society towards the sufferings of our fellow creations.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create manyripples. ...”

A poignant question that we must introspect into is how different our behavior would have been, if we were treated brutally during our childhood. Life as they say is the reflection of the past.Would we not have reciprocated similar behavior and perform similar action? After all aren’t we humans?

A child who has had a rough childhood in poverty with hardly any education will is less likely to grow up to be a responsible citizen. He is likely to feel like a failure and be hopeless about his future more often than not. In order to prove his superiority over his affluent peers he/she will surely try to dominate over everyone around him/her. This domination will begin with acts such as throwing a tantrum. It will then evolve into getting involved in fights at school maybe even bullying. If this behavior is not tapped at the right moment and is allowed to grow on, these kinds of people will become the criminals of our society, maybe even rapists.  All children who have experienced trauma are not criminals but all criminals are children who have experienced trauma. To further support the above mentioned facts, a recent study concluded that the juvenile justice system has found higher rates of childhood abuse as compared to the rest of the population.

Animals especially the stray and weak ones might also be a victim of such a person’s frustration and anger. Being shooed away and hit by stones all the time, these animals turn hostile and unfriendly to the human race. It is not their nature to attack unless provoked. Dogs especially are known for their friendly and playful disposition.

Even educated families today teach their children to stay away from the dogs on the street instead of ever offering them some food or informing a veterinarian if they see a sick dog. This is a result of their over protected bringing up.

We will see a total different behavior from these animals if we were to show a little compassion and try to coexist. “Great opportunities to help others seldom come but small ones surround us everyday.”

WHAT is the problem?

We want people to think of adopting desi dogs (Indian dogs, mostly stray, commonly refered to as 'street dogs") as an option when they want to get a dog. Apart from of trying to get people to see how adopting desi dogs is the compassionate thing to do (awareness), we are trying to make desi dogs permeate the popular culture (culture jamming).

WHY should we care?

Buying a pedigree dog not only takes away a home for an abandoned or stray dog, it fuels the horrific puppy mill industry. To push the right decision - adopting Desi Dogs - we have coined the phrase "Desi Log Desi Dog". In short, you should care about this issue if you want save dogs from suffering in streets and in breeding kennels. If you are a proponent of "Adopt, don't shop", then you'll feel right at home here.

HOW can we fix it?

We want "Desi Log Desi Dog" to be as popular as "Thanda yaani Coca Cola", but without the billion dollar budget. We want it to be on people's minds when they get a dog. We want anyone who considers themselves Desi to choose a Desi dog. Since most of us have such short attention spans, it's only when someone encounters this image multiple times, it will make them feel it's everywhere! We are broke. We can't advertise on metro stations, magazines, TV and radio. So we will start with walls - offline and online.

EFFORTS SO FAR

• #DesiLogDesiDog Grafitti 1
• #DesiLogDesiDog Grafitti 2
• #DesiLogDesiDog Stickers
• #DesiLogDesiDog T-shirts

This is part our Desi Log Desi Dog initiative. An effort to promote adoption of stray dogs in India.

Street Art for Street Dogs.

In India, while dogs are dying on street, majority of people insist on buying a dog from a breeder. Not only did making this art engage close to a hundred people in a matter of hours sensitivizing them to this issue, but this picture on a real wall will continue to inspire for months to come. It will make its way to Facebook walls when people take and post selfies.

"Desi Log Desi Dog" literally translates to "Local people Local dog", which is what we are using to promote people to adopt, and not shop for a dog. Afterall, you can't buy a friend!

Self propogating street art for street dogs.

Our old graffiti in McLeodGanj (Himachal Pradesh) had gotten really nasty, and needed a makeover. We decided to make it a more prominent selfie spot this time :) With a couple of artists, a puppy in tow, a 8 year old puppy nanny and friends helping out with crowd control and food supply, we were able to pull this off in 6 hours :) Every one from cops to local shopkeepers to people passing by were so helpful! Doing good feels great :D

"Desi Log Desi Dog" literally translates to "Local people Local dog", which is what we are using to promote people to adopt, and not shop for a dog. Afterall, you can't buy a friend!

Cows are abandoned.
Cows get in fields.
Cows get beaten, burnt and cut.

Farmers do have a choice to chase away cows with water and that is the only legal choice. Still, they use sticks and sickles and cows lose horns and cows get fractures and maggot wounds. This is not right. We thought if they are not afraid of the law, maybe they will be afraid of the Lord.

Media Links

• The better India "This team just came up with an ingenious way of preventing cow abuse"
• India Times "Meet 'Badmash Peepal', A Community Initiative That Prevents Cow Abuse And Changes Human Behaviour"
• Catch News "The Badmash Peepal: Saving cows with a little help from Lord Krishna"
• Punjab Kesari Newspaper

Deviating from our usual reporting, today we will talk about the suffering of humans. Humans, unlike other animals carry a vast emptiness within them. Along with that emptiness is a promise of happiness, which will be fulfilled once they meet the right person, who will carry them out of this empty miserable desert. The true lover's embrace will liberate you. Heh.

Two lost people shackled to each other - with the commitments made to each other when they were young and inexperienced - have as much a chance of finding their nirvana as much as two broken cups have of coming together to become whole. Brought up in a society where everyone is pretending to be happily coupled, we even chose to ignore
the bitterness we ourselves as children witnessed between our parents. Dismissing them as exceptions and not the norm.

Further, crushed under the weight of norms set by society about what true romance should look like, where your partner is your best friend, your therapist, your guide, your mentor, and is great in bed too ... forever! What was supposed to be a fountain of eternal happiness
becomes a poisoned well you have to drink from every day. What began with a misguided promise of perpetual passion and excitement, becomes a guarantee of discomfort and contempt.

Are we fated to be doomed? No. Our heart can be as much as a source of light as it can be of darkness. But, just like you don't give into every demand of a child, don't follow every whim of your heart, and think. Think about why you are living. Think about your purpose, your journey. Carve out your path of life before you bring someone in it, or before you join someone on theirs.

Remember, a relationship is only as happy as the least happy person in it. And the only people truly happy in a relationship long term, are the ones who are also happy out of it.

Happy Valentine's Day ❤️

For many people, their protein intake anxiety almost instantly sanctifies any food item with high protein content as an epitome of health and nourishment without even realizing the ill-effects or harm it may have caused to the world around them. To put the ‘Protein Anxiety’ in figures, it is surprising to see that in the year 2017 alone, over 64 million searches were made on Google relating to protein or its sources. On the other hand, adding fuel to the fire are the infinite number of Facebook and Instagram pages dedicated to protein intake and products, followed by hundreds and thousands of fans relying on false information offered by them.

Consumers suffer intense anxiety and big brands are cashing in every rupee by launching ‘Protein-Rich’ product often. The market is full of products such as Protein Bars and Protein Shakes offering a wide variety of options for the obsessed. However, meat and animal-derived products remain the most popular sources of protein for consumers globally.

To understand the obsession better let us understand what exactly is protein? In laymen’s terms, Protein along with Carbs and Fats are macronutrients which are vital to sustain life. Proteins are building blocks of muscle mass, aid metabolism, keep one full, and help the immune system stay strong. Protein is commonly found in Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dairy Products such as Milk, Cheese and Yogurt, Beans, Legumes such as Lentils and Chickpeas, Seeds and Nuts, and Eggs. On average, 2 to 3 servings of protein are required by men and women aged between 19 to 50 years daily.

Protein from animal products remains the most popular source with Eggs, Chicken, Salmon, and Tuna topping the charts. They are readily available, keep one satisfied for longer, and offer a range of dishes across several cuisines. Dairy Products derived from animals such as Cheese and Milk also account for the major source of protein worldwide.

Is Protein derived from Animals Healthy?

In a study conducted by Harvard University, it is found that rather than the amount of protein it is the source which makes an immense amount of difference to an individual’s health. The study also concluded that eating red meat and processed meat can result in several diseases and even premature death. Protein derived from animals can cause Heart Diseases, Cancer, and Diabetes in addition to poor Bone Health and Weight Control.

It may surprise many of us that in 100 grams each of Chicken and Nuts, Nuts contain 33 grams of protein whereas Chicken comprises of 30 grams. It is also interesting to know that 4 ounces of broiled sirloin steak contains 33 grams of protein but also constitutes 5 grams of saturated fat in comparison to a cup of cooked lentils which provides 18 grams of protein, 15 grams of fibre, and no saturated fat at all.

Protein from vegetarian sources is healthier, boosts metabolism, and reduces the risk of fatal diseases. This can be found in Soy, Nuts, Beans, Chickpeas, Lentils, and Cereals in addition to Grains, Hemp, and certain fruits such as Avocados.

Money Matters – More bang for your buck

While Chicken, Steak, Cheese, and Yogurt are one of the most expensive sources of protein (and they are animal-derived!), Lentils, Chickpeas, and Peanut Butter are the cheapest. At the current market rates, 100 grams of protein from Peanut Butter costs only INR 167 whereas 100 grams of protein from Greek Yogurt (another healthy food in rage) will set back for INR 541!

Similarly, if we look at Almonds, though they are vegetarian, 100 grams of protein costs INR 500 to 700 and Chickpeas or Oats roughly cost INR 200. Well to sum it up, peanut butter here is the surprising winner.

Peanut Butter – Affordable, Delicious, and Fulfilling

Peanut Butter is one of the richest sources of protein for people who refrain from sourcing the macronutrient from animals. It is rich in protein and heart-healthy fats in addition to Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Iron, and Potassium. Not only this, peanut butter remains one of the cheapest sources of protein, keeps the stomach fuller for longer, and is delicious to eat.

According to a Healthline.com study, 2 tablespoons of Peanut Butter offers 8 grams of protein and can be paired with fruit, oatmeal, or smoothie for an instant protein boost. The study also concluded that people who include Peanuts and Peanut Butters in their diet are very less likely to develop Diabetes or Heart Diseases.

It is also crucial to understand that the healthiest peanut butter is made from just peanuts with no added salts, oils, or sugars. Peanut butter with such additives can comprise of sodium and high amount of calories.

At Peepal Farm, we make 100% natural peanut butter with no salt, sugar, or oils and with utmost love and care on a traditional wood-fired stove. So while you enjoy it with a toast, fruit, or on its own, you can be rest assured that it’s affordable, protein-packed, healthy, and vegan!

Order yours at peepalfarm.org

Authored by Saket Kohli

Sources

• http://theconversation.com/gym-workout-advice-protein-guidance-looks-wrong-our-findings-suggest-64642
• https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2019/03/15/protein-shakes-after-workout-really-effective
• https://www.livescience.com/53044-protein.html
• https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322827.php#plant-vs-animal-protein
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cheap-protein-sources#section18
• https://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/01/health/peanut-butter-healthy-food-drayer/index.html
• https://www.valuechampion.in/credit-cards/want-to-get-fit-here-are-most-expensive-and-cheapest-sources-of-protein

Lots of dogs eat grass from time to time, and no one has identified a single reason — we humans are left wondering!

If the grass hasn’t been sprayed with toxins, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Wild dogs, coyotes and foxes also eat grass, as does their common ancestor, the wolf. It’s normal dog behavior, in other words.

Pica (Pie-Kah) is the technical term for eating things that aren’t food, but that doesn’t apply to canines eating grass, even though they can’t digest cellulose. Some theories are:

1. It’s possible that dogs get folic acid (a B-vitamin) from the grass cells that chewing breaks open.
2. Perhaps grass enhances the conditions for the microbiome in a dog’s guts.
3. Or possibly the fiber in the grass might act as a laxative, or help to purge intestinal parasites.

There is one published report about a miniature poodle that ate grass and then vomited every day for seven years! Finally, the owner put the dog on a high-fiber diet and, three days later, his dog kicked the habit. So maybe it’s the fiber, or maybe it’s the nutrients in the high-fiber diet, or maybe it’s a little of both! After all, dogs and humans both need fiber in their diets, some people like weeds in their salad, and some of those weeds are super-healthy.

Maybe we can take a page out of our dogs’ book and start harvesting edible weeds, wherever possible, and creating food forests where dogs and dog-lovers can forage together! This would add an exciting new dimension to the daily dog-walk, while increasing our chances of surviving the near-term future.

Puppies and younger dogs tend to eat grass more often than older dogs, and “grazing” could become a habit for some dogs. So if your dog is a constant grazer: make sure their regular diet includes fiber and, don’t let your dog munch on grass which may have been sprayed with fertilizers or pesticides!

As a general rule, when animals are calm and content, they don’t make much noise, but signal feelings by their physical attitude and movements.

Happy cows don’t moo. Sometimes they grunt, for example, when they’re eating (although they also grunt when they are defending themselves or announcing their rank in the herd). The only exception to this rule is calves at play. Kicking up their heels as they run around, they’ll make short maaw’s that start low and end in the middle of their vocal range.

It’s usually when something is not right, or out of the ordinary, that cows moo. The range of frequencies of these vocalizations suggest a more complicated social life than most people assume.

The separation and searching call of a cow looking for herdmates starts in a high pitch and goes higher, usually until the voice cracks.

A mother separated from her calf will run around, for days, making short moo’s that quickly rise from low to high pitch. Separated calves, meanwhile, make a meeeh or bleeeh that sounds something like a sheep’s ba-a-a-a-a, but shorter and without the rapid frequency oscillation (called vibrato when humans do it).

A mother connecting with her calf will make a low mmmmm sound, which sounds very different than a very uncomfortable cow (due to pregnancy or being squeezed together with other cows), who will make vibrating, low mmmmm’s.

“Each cow has her own method of asking a question, either with a look or a strange, quiet moo,” writes Rosamund Young, in The Secret Life of Cows.

Simply by paying attention to the animals around us, we can learn to distinguish the kinds of sounds they make. Understanding “cowmunication” makes it easier to empathize with their feelings, which are not different from ours.

It has been over 10,000 years since the first aurochs, ancestors of the cow, were captured and enslaved by people, but we don’t need their meat and milk to survive anymore, and their continued exploitation is one of the biggest drivers of deforestation and climate change. At this point, it’s time for us to give up beef and dairy.

Looking at the planet and its species from a ‘oneness’ point of view is rare. The more aware we are about the fact that we not only co-exist with other life on this planet, we are all a small part of one giant collective that in fact cannot survive, and cannot die as small parts alone without largely impacting the whole.

We as the human species are, at large, the reason for the planet no longer being in natural equilibrium. Dying animals and species every day. Pollution. Global warming. War. Suffering.

The illusion of separateness has been learnt and engrained within our (just one) species alone. Life has been learned through comparative political, economical, psychological and emotional points of view, however I have come to realise the truth about life cannot be taught and needs to be realised.

This separateness and untrue image of life has set a precedence for the way we view our ‘individual’ suffering, other species’ suffering and the planet suffering, if we have the energy /consciousness to see it all.

It will take not only exposure to the suffering caused by humans in selfish and non-compassionate ways, but more awareness and understanding of our selves, our souls, and the way in which our own suffering exists, and fitting it in with the planet suffering as a whole.

The problem remains that if individuals do not understand their own suffering, how do they understand the suffering they’ve caused? This is not an excuse. It’s a deeper understanding that suffering is a result of suffering. So how to break the cycle?

• Laura

"Medical school was a long, grueling journey for me. Learning and practicing medicine in South Africa is not for the faint hearted. For many years, it ruled where I lived, how much free time I had, when I could sleep, when I could see family and friends and it oftentimes left me to deal with anxiety, exhaustion, hopelessness, depression and frustration with the systems that were failing around me. Facing death, attempted suicides, psychological problems of others, substance abuse, interpersonal violence, end-stage chronic disease and acute traumatic events, amongst other things, were everyday challenges for me.

I reached a point where I could no longer go on as I had been.

I reached a point where I could no longer prescribe endless lists of medications to someone, rushing, as I tried to see endless queues of waiting patients. I reached a point where I realized I just wasn't doing myself, my heart, any favors. So I completed my government service time in the hospitals, and booked a flight to India.

I came to India to learn more about yoga, to embed the philosophies into my life, to explore the beautiful landscapes, to learn more about Indian culture and history and to be of service to others, which is when I encountered Peepal Farm and volunteered there for a short time, learning about the animals and the running of a sustainable farm.

Taking a break from the life which I'd always known gave me a different perspective on things. 
It made me realize that you really don't have to keep doing something which may be making you unhappy, just to pay the bills, even if you're good at doing that thing and others expect you to continue to do that thing.

Your mental health is always more important than anyone's expectations, including your own. It made me realize that life is rich, so bountiful and that we really should be making the most of it. It opened my eyes to the wealth of possibilities out there!

It also made me realize that when you can step out of scheduled, systematic living, even for a short time, and not necessarily for ever, you can realize other fears and judgments and old hurts that you've been holding onto which only hinder you from doing what you really love and being who you truly are. It made me decide to continue to live with the notion that everyday is a new adventure, every person has a story to share and that being free from judgment is one of the most liberating ways you can live.

I'm currently still traveling, gathering ideas, searching, exploring and volunteering at different projects along the way, and accepting that I also don't have to have it all planned out. The five and ten year plans will hinder personal growth, more than anything.

On the near horizon, I aim to write articles on integrative, holistic health, as I gain more knowledge on my journey. Finally, I hope to one day marry a creative career with a career in holistic health, inspiring others to live more wholesomely and more compassionately on their life journeys."

-Amy

Jealousy = thinking of others + low self-esteem

Self pity = thinking of yourself + low self-esteem

Humility = thinking of others + self-esteem

Do you agree?

“I am from Pune, Maharashtra and I am currently giving my Cambridge international examinations (IGCSE). I am an actress, I do plays and short films, I am modeling for an international beauty academy called ISAS. I also have my own NGO (which isn’t registered yet as I am still a minor) my NGO is called P.A.W. (protection of animal welfare) where I hold workshops with kids and animals, report any injured animals, also put animals up for adoption (with a strict protocol).

There have been many things that took long for me to overcome. One of the things that took me really long to overcome was someone’s death…that person was really close to me and he was someone who I trusted and who had faith in me. So getting over the fact they are not there anymore really broke me and it took me a while to get over the fact that I couldn’t even say my last goodbye to them. But on a personal note, life goes on and if he was here right now, he would really want me to continue living life and making the most of it.

Life has a lot to offer and it depends on every individual whether they want to grab those opportunities or not. We only have one life so we should make the most out of it. But on a different note, everybody’s soul has the right to live, and in order to make one’s life interesting and great, many people often push others down. Not only humans but animals too. And I solemnly want every soul to have a life they purely deserve.

I plan to go big with acting and modeling, because drama and acting are two of my true passions and I want fulfill them. Also getting into the film industry also means great money, and I want to use that money to be able to support my animal shelter/rescue centre later in life. But because the film industry is a tough field, event management is my back up as I’m really good at planning and organizing events.

Due to the fact that I’ve had really tough times and I have gotten through them, so can so many people and animals. Honestly the only reason I got through half of the stuff I went through, was because I was volunteering at places like Peepal Farm and other animals rescue organization, and my entire time in those places, the one thing that inspired me so much was the fight in the animals and the humans, none of the animals would give up, even though they were on their death bed, they fought for a life and so did the helpers and vets. They fought to make sure that animal got the life it deserved. Everyone deserves a great life.

“…the only reason I got through half of the stuff I went through, was because I was volunteering at places like Peepal Farm…”

So after all those volunteering times, I made up my mind that I would give up anything to save a life, let it be a dog, cat or human because they all matter the same.”

-Tarika, volunteered with us in May 2017

“I was a Marketing Director for Beer, Wine and Spirits companies for
most of my career and Troy worked as a videographer and editor. Although we no longer work corporate jobs, we have taken these skills and try to help as many people and organizations as we can.”

“Our first time in India was actually applying for Peepal Farm volunteer project with Moving Worlds. It was almost an excuse for us to finally come here, as we were putting it off for years — because of fears and perceptions. So we went all in and booked a trip for 3 months.”

“About 6 years ago, after losing my job, seeing my cousin fighting for his life — -and we both said — “What the hell are we doing with our lives?” and why are we putting off our dreams? Life really is way too short to just be going through the motions — like we were.”

“Realizing that the world wasn’t what we thought it was was definitely a turning point in our lives — I was brought up to believe it was one way, but in fact, it’s quite different. This realization came from a lot of pain, loss, hardships, frustration, and much needed personal, professional and lifestyle change.”

“Our life mantra and goal is to spread the world of Living a Conscious Life — Eyes wide open — choices made in the present which are informed and deliberate. I developed a Manifesto of 8 Important Steps to a Conscious Life,
that explains what I mean.”

https://www.travellifex.com/conscious-living-enjoy-life-more/

“After India, we plan to return to our current home base of Colombia, SA — continue with work on projects that help our clients share their important messages to the world.”

Follow Dorene and Troy here —

https://www.travellifex.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/TravelLIfeExperiences/

The antibiotic — Colistin (Doctors call it the “last hope” antibiotic) is used to treat patients who are critically ill with infections resistant to nearly all other meds.

In India — which is world’s biggest consumer of antibiotics — at least five animal pharma companies openly advertise products containing “Colistin” as “growth promoters”. Also, antibiotics are being used as a cheap substitute for basic nutrition and treatment. Their continued use in farming increases the chance bacteria will develop resistance to Colistin, leaving it useless when treating patients.

One of these companies is also a major poultry producer. Apart from selling animal medicines and creating its own chicken meals, it also supplies meat directly and indirectly to major fast food chains in India.

Traveling to India? Avoid chicken and eggs!

Sources:

1. https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2018-01-30/a-game-of-chicken-how-indian-poultry-farming-is-creating-global-superbugs
2. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2016-03-29/antibiotic-apocalypse-fear-stoked-by-india-s-drugged-chickens
3. https://www.hindustantimes.com/health/antibiotics-use-by-india-s-poultry-farms-endangering-human-lives-says-expert/story-6W6b10gfdUKhOkrTSscDlL.html

Produced and directed by Jesse Alk, Pariah Dog is the result of a 3-year long labor of love. This film follows the lives of local heroes in the bustling city of Kolkata who take it upon themselves to care for hundreds of stray dogs every single day. From feeding to vaccinations, these folks look after these dogs like their own children. This movie strikes a chord with animal lovers in India particularly, because these are the “crazy” people who try to do all they can to better the lives of some helpless, innocent souls.

Helping stray animals sure is fulfilling, but can get tiring as well when no one around you seems to understand why you do what you do. This film beautifully captures the struggles as well as the joy of the selfless people of Kolkata and also hits you with the harsh truth. Watch the trailer and see for yourself!

Save an Indian Pariah Dog today. Check out this link and adopt a buddy in need —

Dogs for Adoption
View all our dogs for adoption. Adopt Happiness and save the life of a stray dog, from anywhere in the world.peepalfarm.org